Chapter 2 My bedroom door was the cheapest wood in the house - thin panel , flimsy lock . After my frenzied assault , it finally gave way : Immediately , my mother , Darlene , rushed from the kitchen wielding a butcher knife , her face instantly contorting with rage when she saw me the swung her arm back and slapped me across the face with brutal force . Breaking down the door had already drained most of my energy , and I was no match for her blow , causing me to collapse to the flour , dizzy and disoriented , my vision darkening as she delivered slap after slap , leaving me defenseless . In my dazed state , I felt my hand being pinned down hard as my mother snarled through clenched teeth . " You worthless piece of shit ! You actually had the nerve to break my door ? I'll show you what breaking things gets you !" Stinging pain radiated from my cheeks as I struggled to open my eyes . When I did , I saw her holding the butcher knife high above me , her face twisted with fury , all pretense of motherly love completely gone . My heart stalled for an instant before pounding wildly . I struggled to pull my pinned hand free , but her years of working as a housekeeper had endowed her with remarkable strength . My right hand , trapped beneath hers , ached and numbed , yet I couldn't wrench it loose no matter how I tried . As I watched the knife begin its downward arc , a cold realization washed over me , leaving room for only one thought - if she's going to destroy my life again , then we'll both go down together ! " Enough ! " My father's irritated voice suddenly stopped my mother in her tracks . " Can you use your brain for once ? If you mess up her hands , who's going to support her ? " Hearing this , Darlene , who seconds ago had looked ready to murder me , instantly transformed into a meek kitten . She dropped the knife and stammered an explanation . " I was just trying to teach her a lesson . Look how out of control she is ! Today she's breaking down doors , who knows what she'll do tomorrow ! " Following her gaze , I also looked at my father , who had already picked up his phone again , clearly wanting nothing to do with this situation . Without hesitation , I crawled over and knelt in front of him . " Dad , please let me go to college ! My teacher said my scores are good enough for a top university . After I graduate , I'll take the teacher certification exam and become a teacher . It's a respectable job , and when my brother gets married and has kids , I can help look after my little nephew and tutor him too . It's perfect ! " I didn't dare pause for breath , desperate to convince them . " Dad , I need a good college to find a decent job . Then while I'm still young , I can find a wealthy boyfriend and get married early . I could use his money to support both you and Caleb , even buy you a new house ! You wouldn't have to do anything - just sit back and enjoy life ! " My fervent promises made my father sink into contemplation . Meanwhile , my brother Caleb , who had been playing video games on the couch , couldn't contain himself and eagerly jumped in . " Can you buy me a car too ? " I hesitated briefly before readily agreeing . " Absolutely ! After I've been working for two or three years and saved enough , I'll buy you a nice car ! " Caleb was instantly hooked and began pressuring our silent parents . " Dad ! Mom ! Just let Tiffany go to college ! By the time I finish college , I'll have both a house and a car - my classmates will be dying of jealousy ! "